Deputies search for men who asked children if they wanted candy

Separate incidents reported Friday in Wellington

Separate incidents were reported near two Wellington schools Friday by children who say they were offered candy from strangers

Deputies search for men who asked children if they wanted candy

Separate incidents reported Friday in Wellington

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Updated: 5:45 PM EST Nov 22, 2013

WELLINGTON, Fla. —

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office had extra patrols keeping a watchful eye at two Wellington elementary schools following separate reports of suspicious men offering children candy.

Friday morning, four children were walking to New Horizons Elementary School near Carlton Road when a man walked up and offered them candy, according to the PBSO. The students ran to their school and told a friend, who then reported it to school officials.

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Deputies searched the area and talked to crossing guards, but could not find the man. He's described as being about 5 feet 11 inches tall, unshaven with salt and pepper hair.

A second incident happened on Wednesday afternoon about five miles away, also in Wellington. A mother told WPBF 25 News her 10-year-old son was riding home on his bike from an after-school club meeting at Equestrian Trails Elementary School when a dark blue sedan pull up alongside him. The boy said there were two men inside -- one of them was college-aged with dirty blond hair. They also offered him candy, but the boy said he pedaled home as fast as he could.

"He was petrified," the boy’s mother, Gina Melchionna, told WPBF. "The one time I do let him come home alone, give him a little independence, try to let him grow up a little bit, this happens."

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said it does not believe the two incidents are related, but are taking both of them seriously. Extra patrols were posted at both schools Friday afternoon.